Surgical Clamping Device for Mohs Surgery Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving adequate hemostasis between stages of Mohs micrographic surgery is challenging due to patient anticoagulation, cautery artifacts, and patient mobility, which limits the effectiveness of conventional pressure dressings and existing clamping devices.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clamping device with a pair of shaft members, each with a jaw member and a finger grip, featuring at least two pointed teeth angled inward and downward for clamping skin edges, designed to be applied beneath pressure bandaging for effective hemostasis without damaging tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure dressings are used for hemostasis, then the wound can be temporarily closed, but the hemostasis is inadequate due to patient anticoagulation and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device acts as an intermediary mechanical structure between the pressure dressing and the wound edges. It provides direct mechanical clamping force to hold wound edges together, supplementing the pressure dressing's hemostatic function while allowing patient mobility. The device includes a clamping mechanism with jaws that directly engage and secure the wound edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is divided into separate functional components: clamping jaws for securing wound edges, a connection mechanism for attachment to the pressure dressing, and adjustable elements for adapting to different wound sizes. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
2Reliability
If cautery is used for hemostasis, then bleeding can be controlled, but cautery artifacts are created that obscure tissue examination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces thermal/electrical cautery methods with a purely mechanical clamping system. The clamping jaws apply direct mechanical pressure to achieve hemostasis through compression of blood vessels, eliminating the need for heat or electrical energy that would create cautery artifacts. This mechanical approach preserves tissue integrity for subsequent microscopic examination.
3Reliability
If existing clamping devices are used, then hemostasis can be improved, but the devices are too large and heavy for head and face use
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is designed with local quality appropriate for facial use: the clamping jaws are small and lightweight to match the scale of facial wounds, while the connection mechanism to the pressure dressing provides sufficient structural support. The device concentrates its mass where needed for function while minimizing overall weight for comfort during ambulatory procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism incorporates flexible components and thin-film structures that reduce device weight while maintaining functional integrity. These flexible elements allow the device to conform to facial contours and provide adequate connection strength without requiring heavy rigid structures.
4Reliability
If existing clamping devices are used, then hemostasis can be achieved, but they damage the clamped tissue rendering it inappropriate for examination
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws apply pressure that is sufficient for hemostasis but controlled to avoid excessive tissue damage. The design distributes clamping force appropriately across the wound edges, applying enough pressure to achieve hemostasis while minimizing compression that would damage tissue architecture needed for microscopic examination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides improved hemostasis compared to pressure dressings alone, minimizing tissue damage and allowing for easier final wound closure, while being lightweight and suitable for use on ambulatory patients.
Implementation Method 1
each jaw member comprises a tip means for holding and clamping a patient's skin along an edge of a wound... The device provides improved hemostasis compared to pressure dressings alone, minimizing tissue damage
Data Source
AI summary
Described are surgical clamping devices, which may include a pair of shaft members, each of which may include a jaw member extending from a proximal end of the shaft member and a finger grip extending from an opposing distal end of the shaft member. In addition, each jaw member may include a tip means for holding and clamping a patient's skin along an edge of a wound. The tip means may include at least two pointed teeth that are angled inward and downward from the shaft member. The surgical clamping device may be removed and applied for multiple stages of Mohs micrographic surgery.